This is quite an easy route, mostly on tarmac or cycle paths, with a few small hills/climbs, but mainly nice and steady.
The route starts at North Shields and travels down the cycle paths, alongside the Coast Road, A1058, into Heaton. Turn left into Chillingham Road, A118, and take this and Sheilds Road, A193, before turning right into St Mark's Road. Follow Denmark Street, Heaton Road, Heaton Park View and Warwick Street, through to Shieldfield and Portland Road, B1600. Follow cycle route to Newcastle centre, and go past the college and down through town to the High Level Bridge, on the B1307.
When over the bridge into Gateshead, turn down to go over the Millenium Bridge, then follow the route to St Peters Basin. Continue to follow the riverside path, dodging the mess that has been dropped on it, then follow Hadrians Way cycle route to North Shields. Go back through Shields and return to the start point.